“I am looking forward to playing for the Kowloon Cantons in the HK T20 Blitz”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Former Pakistan Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi has become the first high-profile overseas player to confirm his participation in the Hong Kong T20 Blitz.

Afridi will play for the Kowloon Cantons in the tournament, which will run from March 8-12 at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, otherwise known as Mission Road.

The Cantons, who acquired the services of ex-Australia captain Michael Clarke last year, is owned and run by nine women.

“I am looking forward to playing for the Kowloon Cantons in the HK T20 Blitz, I’ve heard good things about the tournament and look forward to playing in Hong Kong again, a place where I always enjoy the atmosphere, people and hospitality,” Afridi said.

A Cantons spokesperson added: “We are thrilled to have such a fantastic player come into our Kowloon Cantons family. We have always looked at this tournament as a way to promote the game in Hong Kong and to provide more international exposure to our young domestic talent. We are sure that Shahid Afridi’s presence will once again bring this tournament into the global limelight.”

Hong Kong T20 Blitz tournament director Max Abbott was delighted with the Cantons’ signing and believes that Afridi’s presence will further boost awareness of the event.

“Truthfully upon hearing the news we have adjusted our budget for extra balls – there’s not many bigger hitters than Afridi,” he said. “Kowloon Cantons set the standard last year on the overseas players with Michael Clarke and it’s a great credit to them to be bringing another international superstar.”

The Cantons also boast a number of talented local players, including Hong Kong skipper Babar Hayat, Shahid Wasif, Tanveer Ahmed, Ehsan Nawaz and Chinese spinner Li Ka Ming, who plays for the HK Dragons.